Power control system and method

ABSTRACT

A power control system/method implementing Internet based access to hybrid home automation networks is disclosed. The system utilizes a smart gateway power controller (SGPC) to selectively switch an AC power source to a load device under control of local or remote network commands that may be routed through a variety of network interfaces and protocols present within a home or other structure-local communications network. SGPC configurations may be nested within a home automation network to permit separation of control for load devices within a common home automation environment. Present invention methods may include routing protocols between disparate home automation networks as well as remote access protocols that permit control of disparate home automation networks via the Internet using a wide variety of remote access interfaces including mobile devices, tablet computers, laptops, desktop computers, and the like.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 and incorporates byreference United States Provisional Patent Application for DATA SERVERSYSTEM AND METHOD by inventors Jin (nmn) Lu and Todd Scott Kelly, filedelectronically with the USPTO on Sep. 7, 2012, with Ser. No. 61/698,288,EFS ID 13690005, confirmation number 5053.

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 and incorporates byreference United States Provisional Patent Application for NETWORKINTEGRATION SYSTEM AND METHOD by inventors Jin (nmn) Lu and Todd ScottKelly, filed electronically with the USPTO on Jul. 3, 2012, with Ser.No. 61/667,477, EFS ID 13167002, confirmation number 7946. This documentwill be referred to herein as “Document NISM.”

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 and incorporates byreference United States Provisional Patent Application for POWER CONTROLSYSTEM AND METHOD by inventors Jin (nmn) Lu, Todd Scott Kelly, and Lee(nmn) Cheung, filed electronically with the USPTO on Jun. 18, 2012, withSer. No. 61/661,100, EFS ID 13041617, confirmation number 2491. Thisdocument will be referred to herein as “Document PCSM.”

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 and incorporates byreference United States Provisional Patent Application for BATTERYMANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD by Jin (nmn) Lu, Todd Scott Kelly, and Lee(nmn) Cheung, filed electronically with the USPTO on Jun. 4, 2012, withSer. No. 61/655,099, EFS ID 12925066, confirmation number 3071.

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 and incorporates byreference United States Provisional Patent Application for SMART BATTERYCONTROLLER by inventor Jin (nmn) Lu, filed electronically with the USPTOon Oct. 4, 2011, with Ser. No. 61/542,811, EFS ID 111041133,confirmation number 3411.

PARTIAL WAIVER OF COPYRIGHT

All of the material in this patent application is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and of othercountries. As of the first effective filing date of the presentapplication, this material is protected as unpublished material.

However, permission to copy this material is hereby granted to theextent that the copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent documentation or patent disclosure,as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods thatcontrol or switch power to a variety of electrical devices.Specifically, the present invention in many preferred embodiments hasapplication to home/commercial power control automation systems in whichelectrical power to appliances and other electrical loads is controlledvia commands received from a local or remote computer network.

In many preferred embodiments the present invention allows electricalloads to be controlled locally or remotely via an Internet-capabledevice (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, or laptop) and provides anon-intrusive, secure, and blended load control interface that iscompatible with home and commercial computer networks.

PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Background

There is a high demand in home automation/home energy control market foran easy to use home automation device—a wirelessly and remotelycontrolled AC power switch that can turn on and off AC power supply toconsumer electronic devices and measure the energy consumption of theconsumer electric loads. This demand is obvious in numerous consumerforums and is widely discussed in the prior art.

Such a home automation device can be configured to automatically turn onand off a consumer device at a chosen time and on certain conditions. Inaddition, the device measures the energy consumption and uses thatinformation for energy usage planning and “smart” switching of theelectronic device. This improves the quality of life as well as reducingenergy consumption.

A home automation device that can remotely switch on and off AC powerswitch is not new. The prior art teaches power line based AC switches bywhich the control command is send over the power line and wireless ACswitches where the control command is sent over a wireless link. Thesehome automation devices can be categorized into two groups:

-   -   Non-Internet based home automation devices. A remote controller        is required to send the control command to the devices over a        communication protocol not compatible with Internet. Consumers        cannot control them from anywhere. Examples are ZIGBEE® and        Z-wave based devices.    -   Internet based home automation devices. These devices can be        accessed with Internet capable equipment, such as a smartphone        or a laptop. Existing Internet based home automation devices,        however, suffer the following drawbacks:        -   Consumers cannot easily access the devices both at home and            away from home.        -   Consumers have to log on to a service provider's website            while away from home, and from there read the data and            control the automation device. Consumers cannot communicate            with the device directly. This presents some security issues            as well as performance issues.        -   This type of device is usually intrusive to existing home            network as consumers either need to get a new home gateway            to work with the automation device or add a new router or            hub to the home network to “relay” the signals.

Home Automation Networking

Most homes today have the last mile communication connection (e.g., acable link, a fiber optic or a telephone line). Inside a home there is agateway device that terminates the last mile network and routes thesignal between the consumer devices at home and the network outsidehome. The communication of the gateway with the home devices can bewireline or wireless. Wireline communication includes power line, cable,and Ethernet. But predominantly, the communication trend is wirelessbased on WiFi. The communication of the home gateway with home devicesforms home network. In this document, it will be assumed that the homegateway is a WiFi AP and that the home network is a WiFi home network.

Existing home energy management system or a home automation system is asystem that has a two-way communication with a service provider (e.g., autility company or a security company) which monitors the home powerconsumption and exerts control such as switching on and off a device.

The challenges these systems encounter in their home deployment are:

-   -   Service Provider Centric vs. Consumer Centric—The service        providers have the control, with consumers permission, over when        and what data to collect and when and what device to control.        This is a service provider centric approach. There are privacy        issues and the issues of consumer's ability to access the data.        For example, when a consumer is at home, must he/she login to a        service provider's site to look at data and exercise control or        can he/she easily access the information and exercise control        directly from/to the automation devices at the home, from a        laptop or a smartphone. Deployed automation and energy        management systems of today require the consumer to remotely        login to a service provider site for information and provides no        method for easy and direct access to or control over the device.    -   Network Issues—When an automation device is deployed at home, it        either has to work with existing home residential gateway (the        AP) or replace the existing home gateway with a new home gateway        that knows how to communicate with the automation device. With        ZIGBEE® as part of the many automation/energy management system,        it is frequently the case that a new home gateway must be used        in place of the existing one. This “intrusive” setup that often        requires professional setup forces consumers to make changes in        their home network setup. In addition, once the energy        management network is deployed at a home, it is not easy to        deploy additional energy management devices from other vendors.    -   Performance—As mentioned above, many existing home energy        systems do not allow consumers to access or control them        DIRECTLY via a smartphone or a tablet, even if the user is        proximal to the energy system. Instead the consumer must either        have to use a dedicated device like a remote control or have to        go to a service provider's website to exercise control. It        involves sending signals to the home gateway, to an Internet        server, and back to the home gateway and back to the consumer's        automation device. As a result, it introduces delays, sometimes        significant delays, depending on the overall network traffic.

Deficiencies in the Prior Art

The prior art as detailed above suffers from the following deficiencies:

-   -   Prior art power control systems generally do not permit        integration of disparate types of home automation networks.    -   Prior art power control systems generally do not interface well        with the Internet and rely on proprietary interface protocols        operating within a locally defined network interface to affect        power control functions.    -   Prior art power control systems generally do not permit        “nesting” or “subnetting” of control networks to define        hierarchical control domains that can be accessed remotely via        the Internet or some other network interface.

While some of the prior art may teach some solutions to several of theseproblems, the core issue of integrating disparate home automationnetworks with Internet based communication control systems has not beensolved by the prior art.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the objectives of the present invention are (among others)to circumvent the deficiencies in the prior art and affect the followingobjectives in the context of a Smart Gateway Power Controller (SGPC):

-   -   (1) Provide for a power control system and method that permits        consumers to directly communicate with the SGPC locally or        remotely.    -   (2) Provide for a power control system and method that permits        seamless integration with existing home network with no change        or addition to the home network being necessary.    -   (3) Provide for a power control system and method that permits        the SGPC to be configured to have its own subnet that is        separate from existing home network, with the subnet        communicating with the existing home network through the SGPC.        The advantage of this “separation” is that the SGPC subnet can        be insulated from the dynamic nature of home network. The SGPC        can have its own static IP address so that a laptop can easily        access it.    -   (4) Provide for a power control system and method that permits        hosting an AC power switch that consumers can access from        anywhere to see its status and turn it on and off.    -   (5) Provide for a power control system and method that permits a        SGPC to contain an energy consumption measurement unit that        consumers can access from anywhere.    -   (6) Provide for a power control system and method that permits a        consumer to access a SGPC to configure the time and condition        based on whether the switch is turned on or off.    -   (7) Provide for a power control system and method that permits a        SGPC to send (push) messages to their devices (e.g., a        smartphone, tablet computer, etc.). These messages contain any        information from switch status to power consumption data.

While these objectives should not be understood to limit the teachingsof the present invention, in general these objectives are achieved inpart or in whole by the disclosed invention that is discussed in thefollowing sections. One skilled in the art will no doubt be able toselect aspects of the present invention as disclosed to affect anycombination of the objectives described above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION System Overview (0100)

The present invention in various embodiments addresses one or more ofthe above objectives in the following manner. The present invention asgenerally depicted in FIG. 1 (0100) implements a Smart Gateway PowerController (SGPC) (0110) that acts as a bridge between a power source(0101) and associated power source cabling (0102) and power load cabling(0103) to supply power to one or more electrical loads (0104). The SGPC(0110) incorporates a power switch (0111) and power/energy meter (0112)that are interfaced to a microcontroller unit (MCU) (0113) or othercomputing device operating under control of software read from acomputer readable medium (0114). The MCU (0113) interfaces with one ormore WiFi wireless network interface modules (0115, 0116) whichcommunicate to one or more computer networks that may include theInternet, local computer networks, and/or other networks such asZIGBEE®, etc.

System Application Context (0200)

A typical application context for the present invention is generallyillustrated in FIG. 2 (0200), wherein a user (0201) interfaces with agraphical user interface (GUI) (0210) that may be embodied on any numberof devices including but not limited to a mobile phone (0211),laptop/desktop computer (0212), and/or tablet computer (0213). This GUItypically operates under control of software read from a computerreadable medium (0202) that incorporates network protocols thatcommunicate over a computer network (0203) (such as the Internet) to alocal wireless router (0204). This wireless router (0204) thencommunicates with one or more SGPC devices (0221, 0222, 0223) to controlpower switching to any number of load devices (0231, 0232, 0233, 0234)using any number of SGPC associated power receptacles.

Method Overview

The present invention system may be utilized in the context of anoverall power control method, wherein the power control system describedpreviously is controlled by a method having the following steps:

-   -   (1) sending a periodic message from the SGPC to a proxy server        containing the SGPC ID, password, router IP ADR, port, and        subnet vector/path;    -   (2) storing the SGPC periodic message with a proxy server in an        SGPC ID translation database;    -   (3) requesting a SGPC ID translation by the proxy server from a        user interface;    -   (4) validating the SGPC ID and password provided by the user        interface using the proxy server;    -   (5) determining if the SGPC ID and password are valid, and if        not, proceeding to step (7);    -   (6) returning the router IP ADR, port, and subnet vector/path        for the SGPC to the requesting user interface and proceeding to        step (8);    -   (7) returning an error code and ignoring the SGPC translation        request; and    -   (8) terminating the method.

Integration of this and other preferred exemplary embodiment methods inconjunction with a variety of preferred exemplary embodiment systemsdescribed herein is anticipated by the overall scope of the presentinvention.

Alternate Method Overview

The present invention system may be utilized in the context of anoverall alternate power control method, wherein the power control systemdescribed previously is controlled by a method having the followingsteps:

-   -   (1) registering a communication device with the SGPC using an        e-mail address, phone number, or other device identifier;    -   (2) notifying the communication device via the SGPC of any        change in the SGPC IP address, port number, subnet vector by        periodically sending update messages to the communication        device;    -   (3) retrieve the latest IP address/port for the SGPC from the        received SGPC update messages and retain the latest IP        address/port for use in communicating with the SGPC; and    -   (4) terminating the method.

Integration of this and other preferred exemplary embodiment methods inconjunction with a variety of preferred exemplary embodiment systemsdescribed herein is anticipated by the overall scope of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the advantages provided by the invention,reference should be made to the following detailed description togetherwith the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system block overview diagram describing apresently preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a exemplary communications network diagram describinga presently preferred system embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a system block diagram describing how a SGPC playstwo roles (AP and STA) in some present invention embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a network diagram describing a typical WiFi homeautomation Subnet;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary network diagram describing two SGPCs andtheir subnets that are both connected to a home gateway;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary network diagram describing two SGPCs andtheir subnets that are both connected to each other (subnet “gatewayed”by an earlier deployed SGPC);

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary network diagram wherein a SGPCcommunicates with a ZIGBEE® network;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary system block diagram of a typical SGPCembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a preferredexemplary SGPC embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary schematic of a preferred exemplary SGPCLine Power Interface embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary schematic of a preferred exemplary SGPCVoltage Regulator embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary schematic of a preferred exemplary SGPCMCU/Wireless Communication Interface embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a system block diagram of an exemplary SGPC ZIGBEE®transceiver interface integrated circuit useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of an exemplarySGPC ZIGBEE® transceiver interface integrated circuit useful in somepreferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary schematic of a preferred exemplary SGPCPower Switch embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary schematic of a preferred exemplary SGPCOptional Power Monitor/Diagnostics embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a system block overview diagram describing apresently preferred embodiment of the present invention implementing anexemplary proxy server (pull) mode system embodiment;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram describing apresently preferred embodiment of the present invention implementing anexemplary proxy server (pull) mode method embodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates a system block overview diagram describing apresently preferred embodiment of the present invention implementing anexemplary peer-to-peer (push) mode system embodiment;

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram describing apresently preferred embodiment of the present invention implementing anexemplary peer-to-peer (push) mode method embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting amain SGPC user application loading method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting amain SGPC processing loop method useful in some preferred embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting ahome gateway communication channel method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting anevent notification configuration method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting aswitch control configuration method useful in some preferred embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting amanual switch control configuration method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting avampire energy control configuration method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting anevent-based control configuration method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting aswitch control execution method useful in some preferred embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting amanual switch control execution method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 31 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting avampire switch control execution method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 32 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting anevent-based switch control execution method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 33 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting anenergy analysis configuration method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 34 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting anenergy profile analysis method useful in some preferred embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting alocal WiFi client communication method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting anInternet proxy server method useful in some preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 37 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting anInternet device get SGPC addressing information method useful in somepreferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 38 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting aSGPC communications with remote clients method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 39 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting aconsumer device SGPC communication type decision tree method useful insome preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary method flowchart diagram depicting arandom web request proxy server method useful in some preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 41 illustrates an exemplary status screen and configuration dialoguseful in some preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 42 illustrates an exemplary switch action/event schedulingconfiguration dialog useful in some preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 43 illustrates an exemplary calendar based switch action/eventscheduling configuration dialog useful in some preferred embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary control scheduling dialog useful insome preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 45 illustrates an exemplary energy consumption status dialog usefulin some preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 46 illustrates an exemplary notification configuration dialoguseful in some preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 47 illustrates an exemplary energy management status dialog usefulin some preferred embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetailed preferred embodiment of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will bedescribed with particular reference to the presently preferredembodiment, wherein these innovative teachings are advantageouslyapplied to the particular problems of a POWER CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD.However, it should be understood that this embodiment is only oneexample of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachingsherein. In general, statements made in the specification of the presentapplication do not necessarily limit any of the various claimedinventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventivefeatures but not to others.

Automation Not Limitive

The terms automation, energy control, and energy management are usedinterchangeably within the context of the present invention.

Computing Device Not Limitive

The present invention may make use of a wide variety of computingdevices in its general theme of construction. While microcontroller unit(MCU) construction may be optimal in many circumstances, the presentinvention is not limited to this particular form of construction and theterm “computing device” and “MCU” should be given their broadestpossible definitions in this context.

Portable Computing Device Not Limitive

The present invention anticipates a wide variety of applications for thepower control system/method taught herein. Within the applicationcontext, the term “portable computing device” and its variants should begiven its broadest possible interpretation, to include but not betlimited to laptop computers, cellphones, tablet computers, and otherlike and typical applications where computing devices are configured ina portable or semi-portable manner. While the present inventionanticipates that the computational capability of the “computing device”described herein may vary widely, it is anticipated that some aspects ofthe present invention may be implemented using software embodied incomputer readable program code means embodied on a tangible medium thatis computer readable.

Invention Nomenclature

The following nomenclature is generally utilized to describe theinvention herein:

-   -   Home Area Network (HAN) or Home Network—A residential or        commercial local area network (LAN) for communication between        digital devices typically deployed in the home, usually desktop        computers and accessories, such as printers and mobile computing        devices.    -   Home Gateway—A home networking device, used as a gateway        (router) to connect devices in the home to the Internet.    -   Subnetwork or Subnet—A logically visible subdivision of an IP        network. The practice of dividing a single network into two or        more networks is called subnetting and the networks created are        called subnetworks or subnets.    -   Sub-Gateway—A gateway which itself is a device in the main HAN,        but is a gateway to a subnet separate from the main HAN.    -   WiFi—A popular technology that allows an electronic device to        exchange data wirelessly (using radio waves) over a computer        network, including high-speed Internet connections.    -   WiFi Access Point or AP—A device that allows WiFi stations        (clients) to connect to each other, the AP and a wired network.        An AP usually connects to a router (via a wired network), and        can relay data between the wireless devices (such as computers        or printers) and wired devices on the network.    -   WiFi Station or STA—A device that has the capability to use the        802.11 protocol. For example, a station may be a laptop, a        desktop PC, PDA, Wi-Fi phone. A STA may be fixed, mobile or        portable. The terms station, wireless client, and node are often        used interchangeably, and no strict distinction exists between        these terms.    -   ZIGBEE®—A specification for a suite of high level communication        protocols using small, low-power digital radios based on an IEEE        802 standard for personal area networks.    -   Home Automation—Automation of the home, housework or household        activity. Home automation may include centralized control of        lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning),        appliances, and other systems, to provide improved convenience,        comfort, energy efficiency, and security.    -   Home Energy Management System—An extension of EMS into home,        where a smart thermostat, a smart meter and a few load control        switches are installed and can be remotely accessed (read) and        controlled.    -   IP Address—A numerical label (e.g., 10.10.100.254) assigned to        each device (e.g., computer, printer) participating in a        computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for        communication.    -   Port—Associated with an IP address of the host, identifying an        application or a server on the host.    -   Port Number—A 16-bit number identifying a port. A networking        application is uniquely identified by the pair of IP address and        port number.    -   Public IP address—An IP address that can be globally pinged or        routed from Internet.    -   Private IP Address—An IP address of a device associated with a        private network (e.g., a home network).    -   Firewall—A technological barrier, usually residing at a home        gateway, designed to prevent unauthorized or unwanted        communications between computer networks or hosts.    -   Network Address Translation (NAT)—The process of modifying IP        address information in IP packet headers while in transit across        a traffic routing device. A home gateway usually employs this        mechanism to route data between public Internet and private home        network.

Smart Gateway Power Controller (SGPC) System Overview

The Smart Gateway Power Controller (SGPC) forms the basis of much of thefunctionality in the present invention and addresses the deficienciesassociated with the prior art home automation systems. FIG. 1 (0100)generally illustrates the functional blocks of a typical SGPC, with oneor more functional blocks being physically implemented as one component.It generally comprises a small form-factor device directly plugged intoa power outlet. It contains one or more power sockets, into whichconsumers plug in power suppliers to their home appliances. One or moreindependent relay switches controlled by the MCU are connected to thesocket(s). The switch(s) can be turned on and off by the MCU. A typicalSGPC can measure the energy consumption of the plugged in appliances interms of instant power consumption (watt), energy consumption(watt-hour), voltage and current. A typical SGPC is a cost-effective3-in-1 home automation device: network gateway+load controlswitch+energy measurement. The small form factor of this device has thesize of a regular power adaptor. On the networking side, it comprisestwo-way communication with the Internet and 2-way DIRECT communicationwith a WiFi devices (PC, laptop, smartphone) at home.

A SGPC may optionally contain an alternative wireless module tocommunicate with an existing home automation device, to provide thelatter the capability to be accessed from Internet. An existingautomation device can be a ZIGBEE® or Z-wave based device.

FIG. 2 (0200) generally illustrates the usage of the SGPC device. Thefollowing describes a typical use case scenario:

-   -   User opens a web page of a SGPC from anywhere at home or outside        with her smartphone by typing a URL address along with some        security information (e.g., password, etc.).    -   The web page shows switch status, energy consumption of the        connected consumer device(s) at home.    -   User clicks a button to turn on or off a switch instantly or        choose a schedule—time based or event based—to turn on or off        the switch at a later point.    -   User then registers his email address in the web page for the        SGPC to forward any events or message to their email account        (e.g., switch status change, energy consumption above a        threshold, etc.).    -   User also downloads a (platform independent) software program or        data to their smartphone that would provide additional        functionality, for example, to view a histogram of her energy        consumption in a more detailed fashion on their smartphone.        This system can be better described in terms of the networking        architecture, functionality provided by the SGPC, and        interaction between users and a typical SGPC configuration. This        information is provided in more detail below.

Networking Architecture Network Structure: Subnet and Sub-Gateway (0300,0400, 0500, 0600, 0700)

A SGPC works with home residential gateway as a client (station), anduse the residential gateway to communicate with the Internet cloud. Onthe other side, it serves as a secondary or sub-gateway to a subnet thatconsists of a set of WiFi based client devices it has control over, aswell as any consumer devices that can communicate with it. If the SGPChas the wireless interface to communicate with ZIGBEE® devices, it canalso control and read data from the latter. FIG. 3 (0300) illustratesthe two roles a SGPC plays.

In other words, SGPC is a sub-gateway that “separates” the homeautomation network from the existing home network, while having the twonetworks communicating with each other. The home automation network hasdifferent subnet address than that of the home network. FIG. 4 (0400)illustrates a typical configuration setup.

A SGPC can communicate with WiFi and ZIGBEE® based sensors, and thesensor data can be used to schedule turning on and off the switch, aswell as reported to consumers. It can communicate with any devices (WiFibased, ZIGBEE® based, another SGPC) devices to coordinate the controlactions.

FIG. 5 (0500) and FIG. 6 (0600) illustrate examples of multiple SGPCdevices with different network topologies. These SGPC have their ownsubnet and can talk to each other as in an IP mesh network.

FIG. 7 (0700) shows a case where SGPC can communicate with ZIGBEE®network. As an example of multiple SGPC communicating with each other,when a TV is turned on with one SGPC, the light controlled by anotherSGPC may be turned off.

Another example is that when a ZIGBEE® based temperature sensor reads adata above a threshold (set by consumer on the SGPC), the SGPC connectedto an air conditioner turns on. The advantage of separating the switchand sensors, as opposed to the thermostat where the switch and sensorare in the same location, is that users can put the sensor anywhere inwhich they want the air conditioner responsive.

It should be noted that the network architecture described here isdifferent from the WiFi ad-hoc and WiFi-direct mode in that:

-   -   WiFi ad-hoc is a point-to-point communication while the present        invention architecture is point-to-multiple points; and    -   WiFi-direct cannot have its own subnet, and does not have the        relay/routing capability mentioned above.        WiFi-direct is good for point to point communication, but not        for a server-client situation.        Access of SGPC

When a consumer is at home, he/she communicates as a station directlywith a SGPC as an AP. Any WiFi devices can directly communicate with aSGPC within a coverage distance (e.g., 100-300 ft.). If a WiFi (client)device, while communicating with a SGPC (checking the switch status,etc.), needs to communicates with Internet, the SGPC will “relay” themessages to the home gateway which in turn sends the messages toInternet.

When a consumer is outside home communicating with a device at home,she/he may have the problem of not knowing the private IP addressassigned to a SGPC and being blocked by the home gateway's firewall. Thepresent invention in some preferred embodiments allows consumers tocommunicate with a SGPC at home in one of the two ways described below:

Proxy Server Mode (Pull Mode)

-   -   A server on the Internet that keeps track of the IP address and        port number of a SGPC at home. The IP address is usually the IP        address of the home gateway assigned by the ISP, and the port        number tells the home gateway the target device at home to which        the message is forwarded. This is called NAT (network address        translation).    -   The SGPC sends a message periodically or when its IP address and        port number are changed, and the server will get the IP address        from the message. ISP tend to rotate IP addresses assigned to        home gateways periodically, and this message will notify any        change mentioned here to the server.    -   The server keeps a database where each record is a map between a        device and its latest IP address and port number among other        things.    -   When a user wants to communicate with a SGPC, he/she gets on the        web page of the server with the name of the SGPC and login with        security information (e.g., password, etc.).    -   The server will provide the IP address and port number, and from        that point on, the user directly communicates with the SGPC.        Exemplary Proxy Server (Pull) Mode System Embodiment (1700)

An exemplary system embodiment depicting the proxy server mode isgenerally illustrated in FIG. 17 (1700). Here the user (1701) interactswith a GUI (1710) running software read from a computer readable medium(1702) and communicates over a computer network (1703) to a proxy server(1731). The proxy server (1731) maintains an ID/IP translation database(1732) that translates a SGPC ID to an IP address/port value/subnetvector (1733). This database (1732) is populated by the SGPC (1721)operating a background IP/Port updating process (1722) that continuouslychecks for changes in the SGPC IP address and reports these changes viathe computer network (1703) to the server (1731) for placement in theID/IP database (1732). In this fashion any changes in the IP address orsubnet routing that occur in the SGPC (1721) are reflected in the ID/IPdatabase (1732) for use by the user GUI (1710) in communicating with theSGPC (1721).

Exemplary Proxy Server (Pull) Mode Method Embodiment (1800)

An exemplary method embodiment depicting the proxy server mode isgenerally illustrated in FIG. 18 (1800) and comprises the followingsteps:

-   -   (1) Sending a periodic message from a SGPC to a proxy server        containing the SGPC ID, password, router IP ADR, port, and        subnet vector/path (1801);    -   (2) Storing said SGPC periodic message with a proxy server in an        SGPC ID translation database (1802);    -   (3) Requesting a SGPC ID translation by the proxy server from a        user interface (1803);    -   (4) Validating the SGPC ID and password provided by the user        interface using the proxy server (1804);    -   (5) Determining if the SGPC ID and password are valid, and if        not, proceeding to step (7) (1805);    -   (6) Returning the router IP ADR, port, and subnet vector/path        for the SGPC to the requesting user interface and proceeding to        step (8) (1806);    -   (7) Returning an error code and ignoring the SGPC translation        request (1807); and    -   (8) Terminating the method (1808).        One skilled in the art will recognize that these method steps        may be augmented or rearranged without limiting the teachings of        the present invention. This general method summary may be        augmented by the various elements described herein to produce a        wide variety of invention embodiments consistent with this        overall design description.        Peer-to-Peer Mode (Push Mode)    -   Consumers register their communication devices (laptop,        smartphone) with a SGPC in the form of email address, phone        number, etc.    -   SGPC will notify its current IP address and port number when        they are changed, or periodically by sending messages to        consumer devices, using email or text message (for phone        number).    -   Software on consumer Internet devices retrieves the latest IP        addresses and port numbers from the messages and keeps them in        the device memory for communicating with the SGPC.        Exemplary Peer-to-Peer (Push) Mode System Embodiment (1900)

An exemplary system embodiment depicting the proxy server mode isgenerally illustrated in FIG. 19 (1900). Here the user (1901) interactswith a GUI (1910) running software read from a computer readable medium(1902) and communicates over a computer network (1903) to a SGPC (1921)to register the communications device (1911, 1912, 1913). Thisregistration function typically involves providing a uniquecommunications device (1911, 1912, 1913) identifier such as an e-mailaddress or telephone number (for text messaging). The SGPC (1921)notifies the communications device (1911, 1912, 1913) in the event ofany change of its gateway IP address, port number, subnet vector, orother access information using the messaging techniques described above.Software resident on the communications device (1911, 1912, 1913) usesthis message information to determine the current IP address/port/subnetvector path for the next communication with the SGPC (1921). Within thiscontext an ID/IP translation database (1932) that translates a SGPC IDto an IP address/port value/subnet vector (1933) may be maintained. Thisdatabase (1932) is populated by the SGPC (1921) operating a backgroundIP/Port updating process (1922) that continuously checks for changes inthe SGPC IP address and reports these changes via the computer network(1903) to the server (1931) for placement in the ID/IP database (1932).In this fashion any changes in the IP address or subnet path routingthat occur in the SGPC (1921) are reflected in the ID/IP database (1932)for use by the user GUI (1910) in communicating with the SGPC (1921).

Exemplary Peer-to-Peer (Push) Mode Method Embodiment (2000)

An exemplary method embodiment depicting the peer-to-peer mode isgenerally illustrated in FIG. 20 (2000) and comprises the followingsteps:

-   -   (1) Registering a communication device with a SGPC using an        e-mail address, phone number, or other device identifier (2001);    -   (2) Notifying the communication device via the SGPC of any        change in the SGPC IP address, port number, subnet vector by        periodically sending update messages to the communication device        (2002);    -   (3) Retrieve the latest IP address/port for the SGPC from        received SGPC update messages and retain the IP address/port for        use in communicating with the SGPC (2003); and    -   (4) Terminating the method (2004).        One skilled in the art will recognize that these method steps        may be augmented or rearranged without limiting the teachings of        the present invention. This general method summary may be        augmented by the various elements described herein to produce a        wide variety of invention embodiments consistent with this        overall design description.        SGPC Networking Advantages

A SGPC's networking has the following advantages:

-   -   Stability—A SGPC buffers/isolates its subnet from the change of        the home gateway by monitoring and adapting to the latter. Home        gateway tends to change its IP address or its communication        channel from time to time. For example, the IP address assigned        by the ISP (Internet service provider) may change, and the        communication channel may change to a new one due to the        existing channel having too much interference. The SGPC        constantly monitors the change and switches to the new        communication channel if necessary to keep the communication        with the network always enabled.    -   Flexibility and Speed—Because the subnet is isolated from the        change of the main home network, a static IP address can be used        for a SGPC to simplify the implementation of the communication        of the subnet. For example, a consumer with a laptop or        smartphone can easily access a SGPC or any device in the subnet.        By contrast, it is difficult to access a device in the main home        network due to its dynamic nature. Additionally, it is faster to        directly access a subnet from a PC without “competing” with        other traffic over the gateway or Internet.    -   Scalability—With SGPC, consumers can configure the home        automation network into layered subnets, and add and remove        devices as they see fit. For example, users install the first        SGPC that communicates with the devices in its subnet. They        decide later to add one more SGPC, and have the new SGPC either        become another sub-gateway of the home network (see FIG. 5        (0500)) or become a sub-gateway of the first subnet (FIG. 6        (0600)).    -   Privacy and Security—As a result of the subnets, a SGPC        introduces additional security at the sub-gateway level, to        firewall or filter the traffic.

With these advantages, a SGPC provides a home automation system orenergy management system that is cost effective and configurable to beboth service provider and consumer friendly. Consumers can access orcontrol it at home or away with a smartphone over Internet DIRECTLY.They do this without the “sniffing” of a utility company and they have afull control of what they do. This direct path also increases the speedof the communication. If they choose, they can also have the utilitycompany or a service provider manage the SGPC for them.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the above features may or maynot be implemented in each invention embodiment and serve only todescribe characteristics of some preferred embodiments.

SGPC Functionality

Besides the networking aspects described above, a SGPC supports thesefunctions:

-   -   Controls the relay switch;    -   Obtains the measurement from the energy measurement unit;    -   Hosts a web server to present information to the consumers and        allows device configuration;    -   Performs energy consumption analysis and decision making; and    -   Uploads software and data from the SGPC to user devices.        These functions will now be described in more detail.        Switch Control

A web server hosted in a SGPC allows consumers to access in a secure wayfrom anywhere. Consumers can read the status of the switch(s) andconfigure the switching strategy on the web server in a number of modes:

-   -   Instant switch on/off;    -   One-time switch based on crossing a preset threshold of: current        level, voltage level, energy level, and time of day;    -   Periodic switch based on the same conditions as above with any        period (e.g., hours, days);    -   Vampire energy;    -   Auto mode based on energy consumption analysis; and    -   Events regarding sensor data from other devices (e.g.,        temperature, humidity, etc.).        Several of these modes will now be discussed in further detail.        Vampire Energy

Many consumer devices, when turned off, still consume the standbyenergy, usually 5%-8% of the normal power consumption. This energy iscalled vampire energy, and can add up to significant amount. Consumerscan specify that when vampire energy is detected, turn off the switch.Vampire energy can be detected by the current dropping below certainthreshold, which is configurable by consumers. For example, when thecurrent drops 80% for an extended period as detected by the energymeasurement unit, vampire energy is detected.

Analysis of Energy Consumption

Utility companies have the energy cost profiles for enterprises andresidential homes based on their smart meter feedbacks. These profilesare available to consumers in some format, for example, in a form of“time of day vs. energy cost” or “the amount of energy consumed vs.energy cost”. This information can be found in utility bills forexample. Consumers can input the energy cost profile into a SGPC, andset the switch to automatic mode. The SGPC will make decision to turn onand off the switch(s) based on

-   -   Cost profile on the energy consumption;    -   The current time;    -   The total energy consumed so far by the household if available        (this information may be available from the smart meter);    -   Energy consumption data from other devices (ZIGBEE® sensors and        other SGPCs).        Sensory Data

A SGPC may turn on and off based on the sensory data read from externaldevices—WiFi sensors or ZIGBEE® sensor if ZIGBEE® module is integratedin SGPC. For example, when temperature sensor shows a temperature abovecertain level, turn on the SGPC connected to an air conditioner.

Presentation of Energy Consumption

Consumers can read on the web server the energy consumption in terms ofinstant energy data (i.e., watts, current, voltage, and accumulatedenergy consumption) over a specified period. A SGPC can present theenergy consumption in a histogram.

Presentation of Data From Companion Devices

We call those external automation devices that communicate with a SGPCcompanion devices. They include

WiFi based and ZIGBEE® based sensors. SGPC web servers may also displaythe data of companion devices.

Notification of Events

Consumers can schedule the notification of any events from the switchstatus change to the energy consumption crossing a threshold. Consumerstypically put in their email address for notification using emails, ortelephone number for text messages. A SGPC sends messages containingthese events to their email or phones.

Uploading Software and Data

Consumers can download software (platform independent, such as Java) anddada from a SGPC to their devices, so that additional functionality canbe achieved. The software may be fetched from an Internet server throughthe SGPC, or from its local storage.

Help Desk

A SGPC provides helpful tips and guidelines for the usage of the devicesand offers suggestions on saving energy based on the energy usageprofile of the user.

Exemplary System Implementation

Typical Hardware Complement

An exemplary implementation of a typical SGPC system involves:

energy measurements;

relay switching;

power rectifier to SGPC;

MCU programming; and

WiFi module (and ZIGBEE® module).

This hardware implementation may typically use off-the shelf hardwarecomponents for the energy measurement unit, relay, power rectifier, MCU,and WiFi module. One of ordinary skill in the electrical arts should beable to design a circuit board, assemble, and package these componentsinto a functional SGPC system as described herein.

Software

The software on the MCU can be LINUX based or simply embedded softwarewithout OS. The software does the following multi-task job:

-   -   (gets the energy consumption data by regularly reading the pins        connected to the energy measurement unit;    -   turns on or off the switch by exerting low or high voltage        levels on the pin that connected to the relay;    -   gets the input from the web page and modify its local parameters        and data stored in its memory/flash, and update web page        information accordingly;    -   communicates over the Internet via home gateway;    -   communicates with other devices (ZIGBEE® or WiFi based) to        update local parameters and data, and web page if necessary;    -   checks periodically the schedule table for actions (time based        or event based) and act accordingly;    -   executes other tasks as described below.        Sub-Gateway

There are two ways for a SGPC system to act as both an AP and a client(STA):

-   -   have two WiFi modules, one as AP and one as STA, and connect        them with a router; or    -   implement both on one WiFi module.        If the second approach is adopted a softAP implementation may be        used as an off-the-shelf software solution. softAP makes a WiFi        station also act as an AP and it is sometimes called APClient.        In this case, the following enhancement is typically required.        Auto Scan and Adaptation

In order for the system to work with softAP, a SGPC's own communicationchannel (for both of its AP and client roles) must be the same as thehome gateway communication channel. Software is added to scan in thebackground the home gateway communication channel to make sure wheneverthe home gateway communication channel changes, the SGPC's owncommunication channel is changed accordingly.

Exemplary Embodiments

While the present invention may be embodied in many forms, the followinggeneral discussion details the feature characteristics of severalpreferred exemplary embodiments.

Access From Anywhere At Home Or Away—Proxy Server Mode

-   [1] A server on the Internet keeps track of the IP addresses and    port number by which to communicate with a SGPC.-   [2] The SGPC periodically sends a message to the above mentioned    server, whereby the IP address and the port number of the message is    retrieved and stored by the server in its database.-   [3] Additionally, SGPC sends the same message for the same purpose    as in Feature [2] based on events. These events include IP address    change, or port number change, among other things.-   [4] Alternatively, the server periodically sends a “keep alive”    message to a SGPC, and updates its data base with the information    (i.e., IP address and port number) retrieved from the return    acknowledgement messages.-   [5] When a device away from home intends to communicate with the    SGPC via Internet, it requests the IP address and port number from    the server, and communicates with the SGPC directly. For information    purposes, the messages will be sent over the Internet to the home    gateway, which will forward them to the SGPC over WiFi communication    inside the home. In the reverse path, messages will start at SGPC,    travels over the WiFi home network to the home gateway, which will    send it to Internet back to the user.    Access From Anywhere At Home Or Away—Peer-to-Peer Mode-   [6] Alternatively, an Internet device can be registered with a SGPC    in terms of an address (e.g., an email address for a tablet, a phone    number for a smartphone).-   [7] The SGPC is then configured to send email or text messages to    the devices mentioned in Feature [6]. The messages contains    necessary information, including IP address and port number, but is    not limited to this information.-   [8] Based on the message in Feature [7] (the IP address and port    number), a user can directly communicate with the SGPC. In this    case, the device needs not go to a server to fetch the IP address    and port number for communicating with the SGPC.    Access From Home—Direct Mode-   [9] When at home, a user's Internet device can communicate DIRECTLY    with SGPC using the WiFi protocol. This is in contrast to the    communication mentioned in Feature [5], where the user is away from    home, and has to use Internet to communicate.-   [10] A software program may be downloaded (see Feature [23]) to the    user's device for detecting whether a direct WiFi communication with    SGPC is possible or it has to use Internet.    One Module And Two Roles-   [11] From the networking point of view, a SGPC, as one system, plays    two roles inside a home network. It joins the existing home network    as a station, so it can communicate with the Internet. At the same    time, it is an AP to any WiFi stations that want to communicate with    it. For information purpose, this solves a problem many WiFi based    home automation devices suffer: they can either be a station or an    AP, but not both.    Subnet and Sub-Gateway-   [12] A SGPC has its own subnet with static IP address. This is in    contrast to the main home network, where a device's IP address is    assigned dynamically by the gateway, and consumers usually have no    control over the IP address (which can be changed without any    notice) and have difficulty to directly communicate with it.-   [13] The subnet mentioned in Feature [12] communicates with main    home network through SGPC. This is one reason this automation device    is termed a gateway power controller.-   [14] A SGPC can join a subnet “gatewayed” by an earlier deployed    SGPC, and has its own subnet, as generally illustrated in FIG. 6    (0600).    Adaptability to the Dynamic Nature of Home Networks-   [15] A SGPC constantly scans the existing home network communication    channel. If it sees a change in the home network communication    channel, it will adapt/switch its own communication channel    accordingly. If a station communicates with the SGPC and through it    to communicate with Internet, the data during the channel transition    will be saved, and sent after the transition is completed. This    ensures no data loss during channel transition.    Security-   [16] In addition to all the standard security mechanism associated    with Internet protocol and WiFi protocol—password, authentication,    encryption, etc., the present invention adds a firewall and access    list at each SGPC, so accessing the subnet associated with a SGPC    will be subject to further security. This means only select parties    are allows to get connected with the SGPC at the IP or MAC level.    Switch Scheduling    [17] Consumers can schedule the switch both at home and away (1)    Instantly; (2) One-time based on the following conditions: electric    current level, voltage level, energy level, and time of day; (3)    Periodically based on the same condition as in (2) with any period    (e.g., hours, days); (4) triggered by vampire energy; (5) automatic    mode based on energy consumption analysis; (6) sensor data from    other devices.    Energy Consumption Analysis-   [18] Consumers can input the energy cost profile into SGPC, and set    the switch mode to automatic mode (see Feature [17]). In this mode,    a SGPC will make decision to turn on and off the switch(s) based on    -   The energy cost profile (energy cost vs. time of day, or energy        cost vs. amount of energy consumed);    -   The current time;    -   The total energy consumed so far by the house if available (this        information may be available from a smart meter);    -   Energy consumption data from other devices (ZIGBEE® sensors and        other SGPCs) (see Feature [20][21]).        Energy Measurement of Consumer Appliances-   [19] The energy measurement unit can measure any electricity related    variables (e.g., current (A), voltage (V), power (W), energy (W-h)).    Communication With Other Automation Devices-   [20] A SGPC can be configured to communicate with other SGPCs to    coordinate activities.-   [21] A SGPC can be configured to communicate with other sensors    capable of WiFi communication, and use the sensor data as a base for    scheduling a switch (see Feature [17]). For information purpose,    because a SGPC is an AP, most WiFi sensors configured as WiFi STA    can communicate with it. When SGPC contains a ZIGBEE® module,    ZIGBEE® based sensors can communicate with it.    Push Information/Notification To Consumers-   [22] Consumers can register their email address or smartphone number    in a SGPC, and subscribe messages send by the SGPC.-   [23] Consumers can subscribe from a list of available message types.    For example, a message type defines an event to report (e.g., a    switch status change or a variable above or below a threshold). See    Feature [27] for more message types.    Upload Software and Data-   [24] A SGPC can upload software and data to consumer devices. The    software is usually platform independent such as Java, and provides    added functionality to the user experience. For example, the data    include energy consumption histogram that user can archive on their    computers.    Historical Data Archival and Energy Usage Suggestions-   [25] A SGPC keeps track of the energy usage profile of the connected    devices in terms of the duration and time of switch-on, and the    energy consumed over a preset interval of time (e.g., a month), and    provides the historical data in some format (table or histogram)-   [26] A SGPC can provide suggestions/guidelines/warnings based the    historical data mentioned in Feature [25] and some rules. For    example, a rule can be “avoid use this device between 6:00 PM and    8:00 PM for n days when the energy consumed so far is above m”. A    warning can be “You are charged at $xxx/KW-h due to xxx”.-   [27] These suggestions/guidelines/warnings can be subscribed by    consumers as described in Feature [22].    User Interface-   [28] A web server is hosted in a SGPC. It allows users to login to    it and    -   schedule the switch;    -   read energy consumption and the switch status;    -   read data from companion devices including sensors and other        SGPCs;    -   input data—energy cost profile—for energy consumption analysis        and decision making;    -   register email address or phone numbers for a SGPC to send        information to them;    -   request software and data upload; and    -   get helpful tips and guidelines for the usage of the devices and        suggestions on saving energy based on user's energy usage        profile.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a control system that automates theenergy measurement and control of consumer devices in a waynon-intrusive to existing home and commercial networks. Consumers mayreview the power consumption of their electronic appliances and are ableto enable/disable these appliances from anywhere using standardInternet-connected devices.

Preferred Exemplary SGPC Block Diagram (0800)-(1600)

A preferred exemplary system electrical block diagram of a typical SGPCsystem is generally illustrated in FIG. 8 (0800)-FIG. 9 (0900), withexemplary detail of these system blocks depicted in FIG. 10 (1000)-FIG.16 (1600). This preferred embodiment comprises the following circuits:

-   -   Line Power Interface (0901)—As detailed in FIG. 10 (1000), the        input outlet brings 110V AC in through the fuse and split into        two paths. The first path converts the AC voltage to a DC        voltage by 4-diode bridge rectifier. A transformer steps down        the voltage to the level for further regulation. DC regulator        (U3) provides +5VDC supply for the remaining circuits of the        unit. The second path brings 110V AC voltage forward to the        output socket via a power relay in the power switch (0904) by        the output voltage is controlled as detailed in FIG. 13 (1300).    -   Voltage Regulator (0902)—As detailed in FIG. 11 (1100), the DC        Regulator brings +5VDC from the line power interface (0901)        further down to +3.3VDC for supplying a wireless transceiver in        the wireless communications interface (0903).    -   Wireless Communications Interface (0903). As detailed in FIG. 12        (1200), a wireless transceiver receives the commands from the        computer or/and other WiFi or wireless device. The received        command via the wireless receiver interface (not shown) will        provide a logic signal (SWITCH) to turn on/off the transistor        switch (Q1). Q1 controls the on/off position of the power relay        in the power switch circuitry (0904) based on commands from the        PMCU and may optimally be implemented using bipolar or MOS        fabrication technologies.    -   ZIGBEE® Wireless Interface (0905). As generalized in FIG. 8        (0800) and detailed in FIG. 13 (1300) and FIG. 14 (1400), the        SGPC (0810) may incorporate a ZIGBEE® interface (0814) the        overall SGPC design to permit heterogeneous wireless networks        using SGPCs to communicate with a wide variety of existing home        automation wireless networks. While a wide variety of        embodiments of this wireless interface are anticipated, a        preferred embodiment incorporates the use of a Texas Instruments        model CC2531 ZIGBEE® communications controller as generally        illustrated by the block diagram of FIG. 13 (1300) and exemplary        implementation schematic of FIG. 14 (1400).    -   Power Switch (0905)—As detailed in FIG. 15 (1500), a power relay        is a gate between the line power interface power input and the        output power outlet and is controlled by the transistor switch        in the wireless communications interface (0903). The power relay        is protected from the over current surge by a Zener diode.    -   Optional Power Monitor/Diagnostics (0906)—As detailed in FIG. 16        (1600), an optional integrated circuit (1601) may be        incorporated for measuring energy and the self-diagnostic        purposes.        One skilled in the art will recognize that these functional        blocks may be implemented in a wide variety of ways well known        to those skilled in the art of circuit design and as such are        only exemplary of the techniques taught by the present        invention.

Main SGPC User Application Loading Method (2100)

As generally illustrated by the exemplary flowchart depicted in FIG. 21(2100), the present invention anticipates that the SGPC either alone orin conjunction with other systems may present a website interfacepermitting application software to be loaded onto remote user devices,thus permitting the device access to SGPC switch control and monitoringfunctionality over the Internet.

Main SGPC Processing Loop Method (2200)

As generally illustrated by the exemplary flowchart depicted in FIG. 22(2200), the present invention anticipates that the SGPC may operate insome preferred embodiments either synchronously or asynchronously toperform the following system functions:

-   -   Reading energy consumption for an attached load device;    -   Performing switch control;    -   Reading inputs from a web page and updating SGPC configuration        data structures;    -   Communicating with the Internet;    -   Communicating with sensors and other SGPCs to update locally        stored sensor values and data from other SGPCs;    -   Performing background network management;    -   Looping and/or asynchronously executing the above functions.        One skilled in the art will recognize that this execution list        is only exemplary and may be augmented/trimmed/rearranged        without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Home Gateway Communication Channel Method (2300)

As generally illustrated by the exemplary flowchart depicted in FIG. 23(2300), the present invention anticipates that the SGPC will in manypreferred embodiments continuously scan for changes in the home gatewayconfiguration and when such configuration changes are encountered theSGPC will reconnect to the home gateway to permit home gatewayconnectivity to be continuously maintained.

Event Notification Configuration Method (2400)

As generally illustrated by the exemplary flowchart depicted in FIG. 24(2400), the present invention anticipates that the SGPC will in manypreferred embodiments permit event notifications to be configured by auser via popup events that are pushed to the user via email and/or textmessages.

Switch Control Configuration Method (2500)-(2800)

As generally illustrated by the exemplary flowcharts depicted in FIG. 25(2500)-FIG. 28 (2800), the present invention anticipates that the SGPCwill in many preferred embodiments permit power control switching to beconfigured by a user using a graphical user interface. These switchconfiguration interfaces may include manual switch scheduling (FIG. 26(2600)), vampire energy switching (FIG. 27 (2700)), and/or event-basedswitching (FIG. 28 (2800)). Actual switch control implementation afterthis configuration process is complete is generally illustrated in FIG.29 (2900)-FIG. 32 (3200).

Switch Control Execution Method (2900)-(3200)

As generally illustrated by the exemplary flowcharts depicted in FIG. 29(2900)-FIG. 32 (3200), the present invention anticipates that the SGPCwill in many preferred embodiments execute power control switching tosupport manual switch scheduling (FIG. 30 (3000)), vampire energycontrol (FIG. 31 (3100)), and/or event-based switching control (FIG. 32(3200)). Associated configuration methodologies associated with theseswitch control execution flows are generally illustrated by theflowcharts in FIG. 25 (2500)-FIG. 28 (2800).

Energy Analysis Configuration Method (3300)

As generally illustrated by the exemplary flowchart depicted in FIG. 33(3300), the present invention anticipates that the SGPC will in manypreferred embodiments present a user interface to permit selection of awide variety of energy analysis functions to be performed on a givenswitched load. The exemplary flowchart in FIG. 33 (3300) presents anexemplary configuration methodology for these energy analysis functions.

Energy Profile Analysis Method (3400)

As generally illustrated by the exemplary flowchart depicted in FIG. 34(3400), the present invention anticipates that the SGPC will in manypreferred embodiments permit execution of a wide variety of energyanalysis functions to be performed on a given switched load. Theexemplary flowchart in FIG. 34 (3400) presents an exemplary energymeasurement and reporting methodology for these energy analysisfunctions.

Communication Methods (3500)-(4000)

As generally illustrated by the exemplary flowcharts depicted in FIG. 35(3500)-FIG. 40 (4000), the present invention anticipates that the SGPCwill in many preferred embodiments incorporate a variety ofcommunication methodologies and protocols to enable the SGPC to “bridge”Internet and local home automation networks. FIG. 35 (3500) illustratesan exemplary flowchart depicting a local WiFi communication method topermit message routing in a SGPC network. FIG. 36 (3600) illustrates anexemplary flowchart depicting an Internet proxy server method to permitmessage integration and routing external to a SGPC network. FIG. 37(3700) illustrates an exemplary flowchart depicting an addressing updatemethod to address updating of devices external to a SGPC network. FIG.38 (3800) illustrates an exemplary flowchart depicting SGPC messagerouting method. FIG. 39 (3900) illustrates an exemplary flowchartdepicting a communication decision tree method to select the appropriatemessage transport methodology within the SGPC network.

Exemplary Random Web Request Proxy Server Method (4000)

The present invention anticipates the use of a methodology to permit aproxy server to remain connected with a SGPC within a home automationnetwork that is located within a home gateway. This configurationpermits random web requests to pierce the home gateway firewall usinginformation provided by the SGPC and maintained on the web proxy server.As generally illustrated by the flowchart in FIG. 40 (4000), thispreferred exemplary proxy server method embodiment can be generalizedcomprising the following steps:

-   -   (1) Initializing an interval timer value to a SHORT timespan        (4001);    -   (2) Increasing the interval timer value (4002);    -   (3) Sending a short message from the SGPC to the proxy server        through the home gateway (4003);    -   (4) Starting the interval timer (4004);    -   (5) Waiting for the interval timer to expire (4005);    -   (6) If a proxy response has been received, proceeding to        step (2) (4006);    -   (7) Otherwise, reducing the interval timer value to permit the        home gateway to maintain contact with the proxy server, and        proceeding to step (3) (4007);    -   (8) In a background task, allowing the home gateway to remember        the latest outbound message to the proxy server from the SGPC        (this maintains an active link between the SGPC and the proxy        server through the home gateway) (4008);    -   (9) Consumers wishing to access the SGPC probes the proxy server        for the currently active SGPC IP address and port number (4009);    -   (10) Consumers utilize the currently active SGPC IP address/port        number from the proxy server to access the SGPC through the home        network interface (4010); and    -   (11) Proceeding to step (8) in the background task.        One skilled in the art will recognize that these method steps        may be augmented or rearranged without limiting the teachings of        the present invention. This general method summary may be        augmented by the various elements described herein to produce a        wide variety of invention embodiments consistent with this        overall design description.

Exemplary Graphical User Interface (GUI) (4100)-(4700)

While the present invention may be embodied using a wide variety ofgraphical user interface (GUI) methodologies, several preferred GUIs aregenerally illustrated in FIG. 41 (4100)-FIG. 47 (4700). These exemplaryscreen dialog interfaces may be generally described as follows:

-   -   FIG. 41 (4100) illustrates a typical SGPC web page user        interface that permits users to monitor status and configure the        SGPC. As can be seen in this GUI dialog, the devices controlled        by the SGPC may be represented by graphical icons, given        identifying names, be provided a real-time status indicator, be        available for on/off switch activation or scheduling, and be        associated with real-time power consumption curves. On the right        hand side of the dialog box a house wide information and setup        configuration controls. The “download software” icon allows        consumers to download software to their devices. The “Guidelines        and Tips” icon opens a window that makes suggestions on energy        usage. The “Edit Account Setting” icon allows password changes,        etc. The “Add A New Device” icon allows adding devices from a        list of all the available SGPC controlled devices to the list on        the left of the GUI. A user may or may not want to put all SGPC        controlled devices on the GUI. When adding a new device, the        user may assign a name and an icon to the device, as shown in        the FIG. 41 (4100). The “Share” and “Energy Manager” icons are        discussed below. On the left hand side of the dialog screen        associated with each device are buttons which allow control,        setup, and monitoring of the device. Some of the buttons are        self-explanatory. “Action” brings the device down or up        depending on the direction of the arrow. “Help” pops up a window        providing information on the device. The “Data” and “Schedule        It!” icons are discussed below.    -   FIG. 42 (4200) generally illustrates an exemplary switch        action/event scheduling configuration dialog used to trigger        power control switching events. This dialog is a general        entrypoint to the more detailed calendar event scheduling dialog        of FIG. 43 (4300).    -   FIG. 43 (4300) generally illustrates an exemplary calendar based        switch action/event scheduling configuration dialog used to        trigger power control switching events. Selecting the clock icon        under Schedule It! Invokes this dialog screen. This permits the        user to set a one-time schedule or periodic schedule switching        event. Once the schedule has been set, the action associated        with the schedule can be selected from a menu.    -   FIG. 43 (4300) generally illustrates an exemplary device        configuration dialog used to configure switched devices and        monitor switch triggering events/sensors. Selecting the event        icon button (the notebook symbol) associated with a SGPC        controlled device (for example, a printer) activates this dialog        screen. In this window the user may associate the dependencies        between the devices (i.e., a printer) (and their        measurements/status) and the SGPC controller. For example, the        user may choose “Thermostat”, and its “temperature” measurement,        define a condition from a list of predefined conditions, for        example, “greater or equal”, define a threshold, for example,        “98 degrees”, and finally, define an action, say, “down off”.        Therefore, in this example, the printer will turn off, if the        thermostat's measured temperature is greater or equal to 98        degrees. Note that this popup also allows an action to be        associated with a status change. The dependent devices (the        thermostat for example) may also be part of the devices listed        on the main GUI page.    -   FIG. 45 (4500) illustrates an exemplary energy consumption        status dialog that is used to monitor the current energy        consumption of a switched device. Selecting the “Data” icon        displays this dialog and generally displays energy consumption        at some scale, permitting the user to select zoom-in and        zoom-out buttons to see data at finer scale, for example, hours        and minutes, and allowing the user to move right and left to see        data in different time frames.    -   FIG. 46 (4600) illustrates an exemplary notification        configuration dialog useful used to push notification messages        to users regarding switch functions and energy consumption. This        dialog permits access to data sharing features. The user may        specify e-mail addresses and phone numbers as well as defining        what information they would like to be notified of and at what        frequency of notification.    -   FIG. 47 (4700) illustrates an exemplary energy management status        dialog depicting trends in actual daily energy consumption. This        dialog box illustrates the pop-up windows for the “Energy        Management” button. The total energy consumption of the house is        displayed and the user may be able to configure the time-of-day        energy cost for the auto mode of control action described        elsewhere herein.        One skilled in the art will recognize that these dialog        interfaces are merely exemplary of a wide variety of GUI        interfaces possible in implementing particular embodiments of        the present invention.

Preferred Embodiment System Summary

The present invention preferred exemplary system embodiment anticipatesa wide variety of variations in the basic theme of construction, but canbe generalized as a power control system comprising:

(a) power source plug;

(b) power load receptacle;

(c) power switch;

(d) power monitor;

(e) computing device; and

(f) wireless communication interface;

wherein

-   -   the power switch comprises a primary and secondary contactor,        the primary and secondary contactor electrically connected in        response to a control input;    -   the power source plug is electrically connected to the primary        contactor of the power switch;    -   the power load receptacle is electrically connected to the        secondary contactor of the power switch;    -   the power monitor produces a power value output in response to        the electrical power flowing through the power load receptacle;    -   the computing device is electrically connected to the power        switch control input;    -   the computing device is electrically connected to the power        monitor power value output; and    -   the computing device communicates to a computer network via the        wireless communication interface and modulates the state of the        power switch control input in response to commands received from        a user interface communicating with the computer network; and    -   the computing device communicates with a computer network via        the wireless communication interface and transmits the power        value output through the computer network in response to        commands received from a user interface communicating with the        computer network.

This general system summary may be augmented by the various elementsdescribed herein to produce a wide variety of invention embodimentsconsistent with this overall design description.

Preferred Embodiment Method Summary

The present invention preferred exemplary method embodiment anticipatesa wide variety of variations in the basic theme of implementation, butcan be generalized as a power control method, the method operating inconjunction with a SGPC power control system comprising:

(a) power source plug;

(b) power load receptacle;

(c) power switch;

(d) power monitor;

(e) computing device; and

(f) wireless communication interface;

wherein

-   -   the power switch comprises a primary and secondary contactor,        the primary and secondary contactor electrically connected in        response to a control input;    -   the power source plug is electrically connected to the primary        contactor of the power switch;    -   the power load receptacle is electrically connected to the        secondary contactor of the power switch;    -   the power monitor produces a power value output in response to        the electrical power flowing through the power load receptacle;    -   the computing device is electrically connected to the power        switch control input;    -   the computing device is electrically connected to the power        monitor power value output; and    -   the computing device communicates to a computer network via the        wireless communication interface and modulates the state of the        power switch control input in response to commands received from        a user interface communicating with the computer network; and    -   the computing device communicates with a computer network via        the wireless communication interface and transmits the power        value output through the computer network in response to        commands received from a user interface communicating with the        computer network;    -   wherein the method comprises the steps of:    -   (1) sending a periodic message from the SGPC to a proxy server        containing the SGPC ID, password, router IP ADR, port, and        subnet vector/path;    -   (2) storing the SGPC periodic message with a proxy server in an        SGPC ID translation database;    -   (3) requesting a SGPC ID translation by the proxy server from a        user interface;    -   (4) validating the SGPC ID and password provided by the user        interface using the proxy server;    -   (5) determining if the SGPC ID and password are valid, and if        not, proceeding to step (7);    -   (6) returning the router IP ADR, port, and subnet vector/path        for the SGPC to the requesting user interface and proceeding to        step (8);    -   (7) returning an error code and ignoring the SGPC translation        request; and    -   (8) terminating the method.        One skilled in the art will recognize that these method steps        may be augmented or rearranged without limiting the teachings of        the present invention. This general method summary may be        augmented by the various elements described herein to produce a        wide variety of invention embodiments consistent with this        overall design description.

Alternate Preferred Embodiment Method Summary

A present invention alternate preferred exemplary method embodimentanticipates a wide variety of variations in the basic theme ofimplementation, but can be generalized as a power control method, themethod operating in conjunction with a SGPC power control systemcomprising:

(a) power source plug;

(b) power load receptacle;

(c) power switch;

(d) power monitor;

(e) computing device; and

(f) wireless communication interface;

wherein

-   -   the power switch comprises a primary and secondary contactor,        the primary and secondary contactor electrically connected in        response to a control input;    -   the power source plug is electrically connected to the primary        contactor of the power switch;    -   the power load receptacle is electrically connected to the        secondary contactor of the power switch;    -   the power monitor produces a power value output in response to        the electrical power flowing through the power load receptacle;    -   the computing device is electrically connected to the power        switch control input;    -   the computing device is electrically connected to the power        monitor power value output; and    -   the computing device communicates to a computer network via the        wireless communication interface and modulates the state of the        power switch control input in response to commands received from        a user interface communicating with the computer network; and    -   the computing device communicates with a computer network via        the wireless communication interface and transmits the power        value output through the computer network in response to        commands received from a user interface communicating with the        computer network;    -   wherein the method comprises the steps of:    -   (5) registering a communication device with the SGPC using an        e-mail address, phone number, or other device identifier;    -   (6) notifying the communication device via the SGPC of any        change in the SGPC IP address, port number, subnet vector by        periodically sending update messages to the communication        device;    -   (7) retrieve the latest IP address/port for the SGPC from the        received SGPC update messages and retain the latest IP        address/port for use in communicating with the SGPC; and    -   (8) terminating the method.        One skilled in the art will recognize that these method steps        may be augmented or rearranged without limiting the teachings of        the present invention. This general method summary may be        augmented by the various elements described herein to produce a        wide variety of invention embodiments consistent with this        overall design description.

System/Method Variations

The present invention anticipates a wide variety of variations in thebasic theme of construction. The examples presented previously do notrepresent the entire scope of possible usages. They are meant to cite afew of the almost limitless possibilities.

This basic system and method may be augmented with a variety ofancillary embodiments, including but not limited to:

-   -   An embodiment wherein the computer network comprises the        Internet.    -   An embodiment wherein the user interface comprises a graphical        user interface (GUI) operating on a computing device selected        from a group consisting of: a cellphone, smartphone, laptop        computer, desktop computer, and tablet computer.    -   An embodiment wherein the wireless communication interface        comprises multiple disparate wireless communication interfaces        on separate subnets with each of the disparate wireless        communication interfaces supporting different communication        subnet protocols.    -   An embodiment wherein the wireless communication interface        comprises multiple disparate wireless communication interfaces        with each of the disparate wireless communication interfaces        supporting different communication protocols with the system        operating as a subnet sub-gateway between the disparate wireless        communication interfaces.    -   An embodiment wherein the wireless communication interface        comprises a ZIGBEE® wireless communication interface.    -   An embodiment wherein the computing device activates the power        switch control input in response to a schedule defined by the        user interface and received by the computing device via the        wireless communication interface.    -   An embodiment wherein the computing device activates the power        switch control input in response to a time-based schedule        defined by the user interface and received by the computing        device via the wireless communication interface.    -   An embodiment wherein the computing device activates the power        switch control input in response to an event-based schedule        defined by the user interface and received by the computing        device via the wireless communication interface.    -   An embodiment wherein the computing device transmits to an        e-mail address defined by the user interface data responsive to        the current status of the power switch control input and/or the        current status of the power output value.    -   One skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments are        possible based on combinations of elements taught within the        above invention description.

Generalized Computer Usable Medium

As generally illustrated herein, the system embodiments of the presentinvention can incorporate a variety of computer readable media thatcomprise computer usable medium having computer readable code meansembodied therein. One skilled in the art will recognize that thesoftware associated with the various processes described herein can beembodied in a wide variety of computer accessible media from which thesoftware is loaded and activated. Pursuant to In re Beauregard, 35USPQ2d 1383 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,710,578), the present invention anticipatesand includes this type of computer readable media within the scope ofthe invention. Pursuant to In re Nuijten, 500 F.3d 1346 (Fed. Cir. 2007)(U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/211,928), the present inventionscope is limited to computer readable media wherein the media is bothtangible and non-transitory.

Conclusion

A power control system/method implementing Internet based access tohybrid home automation networks has been disclosed. The system utilizesa smart gateway power controller (SGPC) to selectively switch an ACpower source to a load device under control of local or remote networkcommands that may be routed through a variety of network interfaces andprotocols present within a home or other structure-local communicationsnetwork. SGPC configurations may be nested within a home automationnetwork to permit separation of control for load devices within a commonhome automation environment. Present invention methods may includerouting protocols between disparate home automation networks as well asremote access protocols that permit control of disparate home automationnetworks via the Internet using a wide variety of remote accessinterfaces including mobile devices, tablet computers, laptops, desktopcomputers, and the like.

Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has beenillustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoingDetailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is notlimited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerousrearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing fromthe spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A SGPC power control system comprising: (a) powersource plug; (b) power load receptacle; (c) power switch; (d) powermonitor; (e) computing device; and (f) wireless communication interface;wherein said power switch comprises a primary and secondary contactor,said primary and secondary contactor electrically connected in responseto a control input; said power source plug is electrically connected tosaid primary contactor of said power switch; said power load receptacleis electrically connected to said secondary contactor of said powerswitch; said power monitor produces a power value output in response tothe electrical power flowing through said power load receptacle; saidcomputing device is electrically connected to said power switch controlinput; said computing device is electrically connected to said powermonitor power value output; said computing device is configured tocommunicate to a computer network via said wireless communicationinterface and modulates the state of said power switch control input inresponse to commands received from a user interface communicating withsaid computer network using a communication device; and said computingdevice is configured to communicate with a computer network via saidwireless communication interface and transmit said power value outputthrough said computer network in response to commands received from auser interface communicating with said computer network using saidcommunication device; said computing device is configured to registersaid communication device with said SGPC using an e-mail address, phonenumber, or other device identifier; said computing device is configuredto notify said communication device of any change in the IP address,port number, subnet vector of said SGPC by periodically sending SGPCupdate messages to said communication device; said communication deviceis configured to retrieve the latest IP address/port for said SGPC fromsaid SGPC update messages and retain the latest IP address/port for usein communicating with said SGPC.
 2. The power control system of claim 1wherein said computer network comprises the Internet.
 3. The powercontrol system of claim 1 wherein said user interface comprises agraphical user interface (GUI) operating on a computing device selectedfrom a group consisting of: a cellphone, smartphone, laptop computer,desktop computer, and tablet computer.
 4. The power control system ofclaim 1 wherein said wireless communication interface comprises multipledisparate wireless communication interfaces on separate subnets witheach of said disparate wireless communication interfaces supportingdifferent communication subnet protocols.
 5. The power control system ofclaim 1 wherein said wireless communication interface comprises multipledisparate wireless communication interfaces with each of said disparatewireless communication interfaces supporting different communicationprotocols with said system operating as a subnet sub-gateway betweensaid disparate wireless communication interfaces.
 6. The power controlsystem of claim 1 wherein said wireless communication interfacecomprises a ZIGBEE® wireless communication interface.
 7. The powercontrol system of claim 1 wherein said computing device activates saidpower switch control input in response to a schedule defined by saiduser interface and received by said computing device via said wirelesscommunication interface.
 8. The power control system of claim 1 whereinsaid computing device activates said power switch control input inresponse to a time-based schedule defined by said user interface andreceived by said computing device via said wireless communicationinterface.
 9. The power control system of claim 1 wherein said computingdevice activates said power switch control input in response to anevent-based schedule defined by said user interface and received by saidcomputing device via said wireless communication interface.
 10. Thepower control system of claim 1 wherein said computing device transmitsto an e-mail address defined by said user interface data responsive tothe current status of said power switch control input and/or the currentstatus of said power output value.
 11. A power control method, saidmethod operating in conjunction with a SGPC power control system, saidsystem comprising: (a) power source plug; (b) power load receptacle; (c)power switch; (d) power monitor; (e) computing device; and (f) wirelesscommunication interface; wherein said power switch comprises a primaryand secondary contactor, said primary and secondary contactorelectrically connected in response to a control input; said power sourceplug is electrically connected to said primary contactor of said powerswitch; said power load receptacle is electrically connected to saidsecondary contactor of said power switch; said power monitor produces apower value output in response to the electrical power flowing throughsaid power load receptacle; said computing device is electricallyconnected to said power switch control input; said computing device iselectrically connected to said power monitor power value output; andsaid computing device communicates to a computer network via saidwireless communication interface and modulates the state of said powerswitch control input in response to commands received from a userinterface communicating with said computer network; and said computingdevice communicates with a computer network via said wirelesscommunication interface and transmits said power value output throughsaid computer network in response to commands received from a userinterface communicating with said computer network; wherein said methodcomprises the steps of: (1) sending a periodic message from said SGPC toa proxy server containing said SGPC ID, password, router IP ADR, port,and subnet vector/path; (2) storing said SGPC periodic message with aproxy server in an SGPC ID translation database; (3) requesting a SGPCID translation by said proxy server from a user interface; (4)validating the SGPC ID and password provided by said user interfaceusing said proxy server; (5) determining if said SGPC ID and passwordare valid, and if not, proceeding to step (7); (6) returning the routerIP ADR, port, and subnet vector/path for said SGPC to said requestinguser interface and proceeding to step (8); (7) returning an error codeand ignoring said SGPC translation request; and (8) terminating saidmethod.
 12. The power control method of claim 11 wherein said computernetwork comprises the Internet.
 13. The power control method of claim 11wherein said user interface comprises a graphical user interface (GUI)operating on a computing device selected from a group consisting of: acellphone, smartphone, laptop computer, desktop computer, and tabletcomputer.
 14. The power control method of claim 11 wherein said wirelesscommunication interface comprises multiple disparate wirelesscommunication interfaces on separate subnets with each of said disparatewireless communication interfaces supporting different communicationsubnet protocols.
 15. The power control method of claim 11 wherein saidwireless communication interface comprises multiple disparate wirelesscommunication interfaces with each of said disparate wirelesscommunication interfaces supporting different communication protocolswith said system operating as a subnet sub-gateway between saiddisparate wireless communication interfaces.
 16. The power controlmethod of claim 11 wherein said wireless communication interfacecomprises a ZIGBEE® wireless communication interface.
 17. The powercontrol method of claim 11 wherein said computing device activates saidpower switch control input in response to a schedule defined by saiduser interface and received by said computing device via said wirelesscommunication interface.
 18. The power control method of claim 11wherein said computing device activates said power switch control inputin response to a time-based schedule defined by said user interface andreceived by said computing device via said wireless communicationinterface.
 19. The power control method of claim 11 wherein saidcomputing device activates said power switch control input in responseto an event-based schedule defined by said user interface and receivedby said computing device via said wireless communication interface. 20.The power control method of claim 11 wherein said computing devicetransmits to an e-mail address defined by said user interface dataresponsive to the current status of said power switch control inputand/or the current status of said power output value.
 21. A powercontrol method, said method operating in conjunction with a SGPC powercontrol system, said system comprising: (a) power source plug; (b) powerload receptacle; (c) power switch; (d) power monitor; (e) computingdevice; and (f) wireless communication interface; wherein said powerswitch comprises a primary and secondary contactor, said primary andsecondary contactor electrically connected in response to a controlinput; said power source plug is electrically connected to said primarycontactor of said power switch; said power load receptacle iselectrically connected to said secondary contactor of said power switch;said power monitor produces a power value output in response to theelectrical power flowing through said power load receptacle; saidcomputing device is electrically connected to said power switch controlinput; said computing device is electrically connected to said powermonitor power value output; and said computing device communicates to acomputer network via said wireless communication interface and modulatesthe state of said power switch control input in response to commandsreceived from a user interface communicating with said computer network;and said computing device communicates with a computer network via saidwireless communication interface and transmits said power value outputthrough said computer network in response to commands received from auser interface communicating with said computer network; wherein saidmethod comprises the steps of: (1) registering a communication devicewith said SGPC using an e-mail address, phone number, or other deviceidentifier; (2) notifying said communication device via said SGPC of anychange in the SGPC IP address, port number, subnet vector byperiodically sending update messages to said communication device; (3)retrieve the latest IP address/port for said SGPC from said receivedSGPC update messages and retain said latest IP address/port for use incommunicating with said SGPC; and (4) terminating said method.
 22. Thepower control method of claim 21 wherein said computer network comprisesthe Internet.
 23. The power control method of claim 21 wherein said userinterface comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) operating on acomputing device selected from a group consisting of: a cellphone,smartphone, laptop computer, desktop computer, and tablet computer. 24.The power control method of claim 21 wherein said wireless communicationinterface comprises multiple disparate wireless communication interfaceson separate subnets with each of said disparate wireless communicationinterfaces supporting different communication subnet protocols.
 25. Thepower control method of claim 21 wherein said wireless communicationinterface comprises multiple disparate wireless communication interfaceswith each of said disparate wireless communication interfaces supportingdifferent communication protocols with said system operating as a subnetsub-gateway between said disparate wireless communication interfaces.26. The power control method of claim 21 wherein said wirelesscommunication interface comprises a ZIGBEE® wireless communicationinterface.
 27. The power control method of claim 21 wherein saidcomputing device activates said power switch control input in responseto a schedule defined by said user interface and received by saidcomputing device via said wireless communication interface.
 28. Thepower control method of claim 21 wherein said computing device activatessaid power switch control input in response to a time-based scheduledefined by said user interface and received by said computing device viasaid wireless communication interface.
 29. The power control method ofclaim 21 wherein said computing device activates said power switchcontrol input in response to an event-based schedule defined by saiduser interface and received by said computing device via said wirelesscommunication interface.
 30. The power control method of claim 21wherein said computing device transmits to an e-mail address defined bysaid user interface data responsive to the current status of said powerswitch control input and/or the current status of said power outputvalue.